As a pet owner, you strive to provide the best possible care for your furry friend. When traditional treatments fall short, finding alternatives that are effective and safe can be challenging. Enter extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), an innovative treatment gaining popularity in veterinary medicine. In this comprehensive guide, our Central Houston Animal Hospital team explains how ESWT works, its benefits, and what pet owners need to know before considering this treatment for their pets.
What is extracorporeal shockwave therapy for pets?
ESWT is a noninvasive medical treatment that uses shockwaves to promote healing and reduce pain in various conditions. Originally developed for human medicine to break down kidney stones, ESWT has since been adapted for veterinary use, proving beneficial for cats, dogs, and other pets.
How does extracorporeal shockwave therapy work in pets?
Shockwaves are high-energy sound waves that can penetrate tissues and trigger biological responses. In ESWT, these shockwaves are directed at specific body areas using a handheld device. The shockwaves stimulate blood flow, enhance cell regeneration, and promote growth factor release, accelerating the healing process.
What are the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for pets?
ESWT offers plenty of perks to pets who could use an extra healing boost. The top benefits provided by ESWT include:
- Noninvasive treatment — Unlike surgical options, ESWT is noninvasive, meaning it doesn’t require incisions or anesthesia, reducing pets’ complication risk and shortening recovery time.
- Pain relief — ESWT is highly effective in managing pain, particularly in chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and promotes endorphin release, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Accelerated healing — By enhancing blood circulation and stimulating cell regeneration, ESWT can speed the healing process for various musculoskeletal conditions, wounds, and certain skin disorders.
- Versatility — ESWT can treat myriad conditions, including joint pain, ligament injuries, muscle strains, and nonhealing fractures. This treatment is also effective in addressing chronic conditions that haven’t responded well to traditional treatments.
What conditions can extracorporeal shockwave therapy treat in pets?
Your pet’s condition may respond well to ESWT. Conditions that benefit from this treatment’s specialized capabilities include:
- Osteoarthritis — ESWT is often recommended as an osteoarthritis treatment. This degenerative joint disease affects many aging pets, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, but ESWT can help alleviate these issues by reducing inflammation and promoting cartilage regeneration.
- Tendon and ligament injuries — Tendon and ligament injuries, such as cranial cruciate ligament tears or Achilles tendonitis, can significantly impact a pet’s quality of life. ESWT stimulates tissue repair and can accelerate recovery, reducing the need for prolonged rest or invasive surgery.
- Nonhealing fractures — In cases where fractures fail to heal properly, ESWT can be a game-changer. The shockwaves stimulate bone formation and enhance the healing process, helping pets regain mobility and function.
- Skin conditions — Certain chronic skin conditions, such as lick granulomas or nonhealing wounds, can benefit from ESWT. The therapy promotes blood flow and cellular repair, aiding these stubborn issues’ resolution.
What can I expect during my pet’s extracorporeal shockwave therapy session?
If you’re considering ESWT for your pet, a treatment session proceeds as follows:
- Initial consultation — Our Central Houston Animal Hospital veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s condition, review their medical history, and determine if ESWT is a suitable option. Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or ultrasounds, may be conducted to pinpoint the treatment area.
- Procedure — During the procedure, a conductive gel is applied to ensure effective shockwave transmission. A handheld device is then used to deliver the shockwaves to the targeted area. The session typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
- Posttreatment care — After the session, no downtime is required, and most pets can resume normal activities immediately. Follow-up sessions may be scheduled based on your pet’s response to the therapy.
Do pets have side effects after extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
ESWT is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, potential side effects and considerations include:
- Discomfort — Pets may experience minor bruising and swelling at the treatment site, and can appear lethargic for a few days following a session.
- Sign worsening — Your pet’s signs may worsen for two or three days following a session, but they should improve.
- Not suitable for all conditions — ESWT may not be appropriate for pets who have certain medical conditions such as joint infections or neurologic issues, or pets who take specific medications that interfere with blood clotting ability.
ESWT is a promising treatment option for various conditions that affect cats, dogs, and other pets. The noninvasive nature, pain-relieving properties, and ability to accelerate healing make this treatment an attractive alternative to traditional therapies. Determine if ESWT is the right treatment option for your four-legged friend by scheduling a consultation with our Central Houston Animal Hospital team.
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